In a departure from his earlier work, The Song of Sway Lake is interested in human relationships, in the power of nostalgia and loss, and quite a bit more. It's a film that puts emotion before all else; and Gold, who also co-wrote the screenplay, realizes how places and objects, and especially music from the past can transport you and, like the central character, Ollie (Rory Culkin) can even get too strong a hold.

Featuring a sparkling soundtrack of classic songs, as well as the stunning original of the title, The Song of Sway Lake is a romantic drama about the vanished grace of America and the spells cast by the melodies of lost time. You know.. it’s summer on Sway Lake, and the former playground of the jazz-age..

The Song of Sway Lake benefits from alluring, evocative atmosphere, although it isn't always enough to compensate for a shaggy narrative and overall lack of focus. 42% TOMATOMETER

The Song of Sway Lake Trailer In the wake of his father’s suicide, young record collector Ollie Sway returns to the family lake house with his friend Nikolai in tow to lay claim to an invaluable jazz recording.

The Song of Sway Lake is a powerful meditation on family relationships and friendships. The cinematography is particularly beautiful. From the opening credits the viewer is immersed in a lush, captivating imagery— which enriches the emotional depth of the characters.

“The Song of Sway Lake” never gets anywhere near that heady again. In narration, it tells of both the lake and the song, a catchy tune made popular by a female vocal group in the era of 78s.

In her final film role, “The Song of Sway Lake,” the late Elizabeth Peña delivers withering looks — equal parts disgust and dismay — to a variety of characters, all of whom ably deserve her scorn.